Adjustable Busway Joint for Offset Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical busway systems require custom-length joints for offset sections, leading to increased costs and installation time due to the need for non-standard busway joints and elbows, which are not available until delivery.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable busway joint with longitudinally moveable splice plates and positioning members allows for customizable length adjustment between compressed and extended positions, enabling alignment of offset busway sections without the need for custom joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-length busway joints are manufactured to accommodate offset sections, then the installation can be completed with proper alignment, but the manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The busway joint incorporates adjustable components that allow the length and angle of the joint to be modified on-site. The joint includes movable sections with positioning mechanisms that enable installers to adjust the joint dimensions to match various offset configurations without requiring custom-manufactured parts for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint design allows change of geometric parameters (length, angle, offset distance) through adjustable mechanisms. The joint can be configured with different lengths and angles by moving adjustable sections along guide rails or using telescopic components, enabling a single standard joint design to replace multiple custom-designed joints.
2Reliability
If custom-length busway joints are ordered to match offset sections, then proper electrical connection is achieved, but the installation time is extended due to waiting for delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The busway joint is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different offset configurations and section lengths. The adjustable mechanisms allow the same joint model to serve various installation scenarios, eliminating the need to order different custom joint models for different situations and enabling immediate installation without waiting for specialized deliveries.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint includes dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow installers to modify the joint geometry on-site to match the specific offset requirements. This eliminates the need for pre-ordering custom joints and enables installers to adapt standard joints to any configuration during the installation process itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard fixed-length busway joints are used, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but offset busway sections cannot be properly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The joint incorporates movable and adjustable sections that can be configured to various lengths and angles. The joint includes telescopic components, sliding sections, or adjustable arms that allow the same manufactured joint to adapt to different offset distances and alignment requirements, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint is divided into multiple separable sections with standardized interfaces. These segments can be adjusted in length and position independently, allowing the joint to be configured for various offset scenarios. The segmented design maintains ease of manufacture through modular components while providing versatility in field installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable length busway joint for coupling a first and a second busway section, the first and second busway sections being longitudinally offset, is disclosed. The busway joint includes a first plurality of splice plates having a first splice plate first retaining portion, and a second plurality of splice plates disposed to overlap a portion of a corresponding splice plate of the first plurality of splice plates to form an electrical joint. Each splice plate of said second plurality of splice plates defines a splice plate first adjustment portion substantially longitudinally aligned with the first plurality of splice plates and disposed to overlap a portion of a corresponding first splice plate first retaining portion. A first positioning member is operably disposed in the first splice plate first retaining portion and said second splice plate first adjustment portion. The first and said second pluralities of splice plates are arranged for a longitudinal movement with respect each other between a first compressed position and a second extended position. The busway joint further includes a third plurality of splice plates having a third splice plate first retaining portion. Each splice plate of the second plurality of splice plates overlaps a portion of a corresponding splice plate of the third plurality of splice plates to form an electrical joint. Each splice plate of said second plurality of splice plates includes a splice plate second adjustment portion substantially longitudinally aligned with the third plurality of splice plates and overlaps a portion of a corresponding third splice plate first retaining portion. A second positioning member is disposed in the splice plate second adjustment portion and the third splice plate first retaining portion. The third and second pluralities of splice plates are arranged for a longitudinal movement with respect each other between a third compressed position and a fourth extended position.